Plucking machine



Aug. I9, 1952 F. F-lsHER y PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Deo. 29, 1948 14 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Fo sier Fisher BY EYS F. FISHER PLUCKING MACHINE Aug. 19, 1952 Filed Deo. 29, 1948 14 sheets-Shana w; 57a 3&5

Fig. Il

INVENTOR. BYFoster Fisher dAu/Qww ATTORNEYS Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER 2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Deo. 29, 1948 14 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Foster y"Fisher BWI/Www ATTORNEYS Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER 2,607,071

PLUCKING .MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 14 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. |20

AH.: 23a .E46 E ay E 35/ E66 a as Flg. I4 I5 t JACVENTOR. Foster F |sh er ATTORNEYS' Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER 2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 141 S'hee'cs-Sheet 5 Fig. I9r Fig.2| Fig.23

Fig..j27

EQ ago er; E@ E IN'VEN TOR. Foster Flsher ATTRNEYS A. 19, 1952 F. FISHERA 2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE Fi1ed Dec. 29, 1949 14 sheets-sheet e INVENTOR.

Foster Fisher ATTORNEYS Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER 2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE Filedrnec. 29, 1948 14 sheets-Sheet 'I INVENTOR.

Foster Fisher ATTORNEYS Aug.19, 1952 F. FISHER I 2,607,071

' PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 14 Sheets-Sheet a.

ATTORNEYS- Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER #2,607,071

` PLuCKlNG MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, `194:8 14 Sheets-Sheet 9 Fig. 45

JNVENTOR. Fig 49 if? BYFos'rer Fisher ATTORNEYS Aug. 19, 1952 F. FlsHi-:RA 2,607,071

PLUcKlNG MACHINE Y Filed Dec. 29, 1948 14 sheets-sheet 1o INVENTOR. Foster Flsher ATTORNEYS F. FISHER Aug. 19, 1952 Y PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 umili.. Hymn..Il

INVENTOR. Fo'ster F'Isher BY 62M ATTORNEYS ug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER 2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 14 sheets-sheet 12 E E v 4// JNVENToR. Foster |`|sher ATTORNEYS- Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER f ,2,607,071

PLUCKING MACHINE.

Filed Deo. 29, 1948 14 Sheets-Sheet 1.5

Fig. 68

I'NVENTOR, Foster F usher ATTORNEYS Aug. 19, 1952 F. FISHER '2,607,071

PLUcKlNG MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 1'4 sheets-sheet 14 Ils/.VENT/OR. Foster F|sh r ATTORNEYS Patented ug. 19, 1.952

UNITED STATES PATENT PLUGKJNG MACHINE Foster Fisher, Providence, R. I., assigner of oneY half to Benjamin E. Kinne, Rehoboth, Massi Application December 29, 1948, Serial No. 67,774

8 Claims. e 1

This invention Arelates to a machine for plucking the feathers from a bird.

One of the objects of 'this `'ir'ivention is to provide a machine in which a bird may be placed and by throwing one or more switches, all of the feathers will be plucked from the bird automatically without the necessity of further control by the operator.

Another object of this invention is to provide a plucking machine in which it is merely necessary to attach gripping devices to the necki limbs, and tail of the bird and then actuate va control to cause devices'to operate upon the bird automatically and in Series, one after the other until all of the feathers are plucked from the bird.

Another object of this invention is to provide plucking units for the bird which will adjust themselves to irregularites'of the bird infollowing the surface of the body and limbs of the bird.

Another object of this invention is to dry pluck all lof the feathers from the bird automatically leaving no feathers for hand operation.

Another object of this invention is lto collect the feathers as they are plucked from the bird and convey them to a common repository.

Another object of this invention is topperate the plucking units in a desired sequence of operation with the desired results to be performed and so that one plucking unit will not interfere with another.

Another object ofthe invention is tov use vdifferent'Y plucker's 'for different parts of 5 the bird whereby each plucker may be better designed for its particular function on the portion upon which it operates.

Another object of the invention is rto adjust the pluckers for different sizeof birds or parts-of the bird.

Another object of the invention is to fix the bird in position and cause the pluckers to a`p= proach the bird and pluck the feathers therefrom.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists Ofcertain novel features of construction, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In 'the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the plucking machine-showing the invention herein;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the entire niachine;

-Figure Y3 isan elevation of the'center unit 'detached from the remainder of the machine;

Figure 4 is a top plan view 'of the center unit shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5i.'-.a1'a elevation fa detail-slfiowirlg;thek operation of a valve show-n in Figure13,1`and taken at right angles to the showing in -Fig'ureli Figure 6 is a diagrammatic Vview illustrating the control mechanism forV themachine; Y

Figure '7 is a side elevation of one of the ing units;

Figure 8 is an endview thereof;

Figure -9 is' a sectional "View substantially-on' line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 1'0 is a sectional view on line "IB-i-l of Figure 7;

Figure 11 is line H--I lof FiglirexQ; l It Figure 12 is an elevation Showing fthe'pluck ng carriage for its 'opera- Figure 1'6 is a top plan view/of the -actuated mechanism shown in Figure 15; f

Figures 17 and 18 are plan and perspective fragmental views illustratingV the operatio'nof "thej mechanism shown inFigure's 15 Y and 16;

Figures 19 and 20 are .plan viewsof the upper and lower mechanism to illustrate 'a' furtherposil tion in the sequence 'of Voperation of the parts shown in FiguresflTand 18.;

Figures 2l land 22 rv'are plan and perspective views which Vsh'owa,still:"furtlfier operation ifi-the sequence of operation of v'the' mechanism there?.

shown;

Figures 23 and 24 areviewssimilar t'o Figures 19 and v20 to show a 'Still further 'sequenceof these operations;

Figure 25 is a side kview iuustraung'th-e epera.-

tion of the carriage shown in Figure 12;

Figure 26 is a sectional View showing the locking mechanism for the gripping member for 'tlieleg'sf orwngs of a bird;

Figure 2'7 is anrend View of the-carriage mechanism shown in Figure 25; Figure 28 is a plan viewo'f'the rotating for the neck plucking unit shown by itself;

Figure 29 is a sectional view on line '2B- '29of Figure 28; i Figure 30'is a diagrammatic View"illustral pinar# ja. sectional view on "Silblstjiy through n Ilg the operation' of the neck'pl ing unit at one point in the operation thereof; f

Figure 31 is an edge view illustrating the neck plucking unit at another step in its operation;

Figure 32 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure but showing the neck plucking unit in a still different position of operation;

`Figure 33 is an edge view similar to Figure 31 but showing the unit in a still further position of operation;

Figure 34 is a plan view of the rotating table for carrying vthe body plucking units;

Figure 35 is a section on line 35-35 ure 34;

Figure 36 is a fragmental plan view illustrating one position in the operation of the body plucking unit shown in Figures 34 and 85;

Figure 37 is a view similar to Figure 36 another position in the operation of the body plucking unit;

Figure 38 is a perspective view illustrating the stop mechanism of the body plucking unit;

Figure 39 is a perspective view showing a trip mechanism for the oscillation of the unit shown in Figure 34;

Figure 40 is a perspective view showing a still smaller fragmental part of the structure of Figure 39;

Figure 4l is a perspective view showing the carriage for the pluckers which moves in and out radially of the structure shown in Figure 34;

Figure 42 is a plan view of a fragmental portion showing the piston which operates the carriage and the spring which returns it;

Figure 43 is a perspective View of the quilling unit as shown in dotted lines in the forward position thereof;

Figure 44 is a front view of the quilling unit showing the working mechanism thereof;

Figure 45 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the collecting system for the waste or feathers from the bird;

Figure 46 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit which controls the reversing mechanism for the pluckers;

Figure 4 7 is a fragmental plan view illustrating a pair of plucking units and a control for them;

Figure 48 is a perspective view of a fragmental detail of the plucker; f

Figure 49 is a diagrammatic view illustrating of Fgthe circuit which is controlled by the electrical switches of each pluoking unit;

.Figure 50 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the electrical circuit which controls the air for the middle section of the machine;

Figure 51 is a perspective view of a fragmental portion of the support for the tail plucker;

Figure 52 is a perspective view illustrating one of the en d units for gripping a leg of the bird;

Figure 53 is a perspective view illustrating a gripper for the wings of the bird;

Figure 54 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the electrical and pneumatic control for the table which mounts the plucking units for the neck of the bird; n

Figure 55 is a perspective view of a portion of the drive mechanism for the control of the machine;

Figure 56 is a perspective view of a fragmental portion of the mechanism of Figure 55;

Figure 57 is anelevation showing the supplemental poyver supply for one of the control drums; Y

Figure 58 is an elevation of a fragmental portion showing the middle operating portion;

ure 58; l

Figure 60 is an elevation of a detail of the operating mechanism;

Figure 6l is a perspective view of another fragmental portion of Figure 55;

Figure 62 is a perspective view with parts broken away of one of the pluckers;

Figure 63 is an end view of a portion of the plucker;

Figure 64 is an elevation of a detail of the plucker;

Figure 65 is an elevation of the leaf spring of the plucker with some of its associated parts;

Figure 66 is a perspective view of one of the jaws;

Figure 67 is a top plan view of the leaf spring and some of its associated parts;

Figure 68 is a diagrammatic view of the air system for operating the machine;

Figure 69 is a sectional view showing a fragmental portion of the alternative plucking unit;

Figure 70 is an elevation showing another fragmental portion of the same alternative construction as shown in Figure 69; Figure '71 is a sectional view showing the alternative plucking unit or" which Figures 69 and 'Z0 are details;

Figure 72 is a sectional view showing a still further detail of the alternative mechanism.

shown in Figure 7l;

Figure 73 is a detailed View showing a further alternative construction to that shown in Figure 69 in the unit shown in Figure 71;

Figures 74 and 75 are sectional views illustrating other modiiied forms of pluckers; and

Figure 76 is a perspective view of a modiiied form showing drum for gripping the feathers.

In proceeding with this invention I provide a frame upon which my mechanism is mounted.

The bird isnianually placed in position so that.

it is gripped by the neck, tail, each wing, and each leg, then by throwing a switch operation on the bird is commenced and is completed auto# matically when the bird is then taken from the machine.

Generally speaking, pluckers operate upon each of the limbs of the bird, the tail, the neck, and the body in a certain predetermined sequence, the pluckers operating in a plurality of paths on each rotating about the portions of the bird upon which it operates, all without further manual control. Arrangements are also provided for, so that should some protuberance exist upon the bird, the pluckers will operate over or about this protuberance without injury to the bird. As the feathers are removed from the bird, they are collected and passed through tubes to a common repository where they may be collected. A large part of the description deals with the manipulation of the pluckers to cause them to cover the surface of the bird.

The supporting structure comprises a frame- Work designated generally l5 comprising upright supports '16 (Fig. 1) which are connected together by cross members Vi attheir upper ends and '18 at their lower ends, while there are frames 'I9 (Fig. 2) at the upper end and similar frames at the bottom to provide a support for the mechanism which is to be described. On the forward portion of the frame on a bracket 98 there is provided a hook Si upon which the bird is supportedl by means of the neck of the bird being placed into this hook el. The other portions of the bird are attached to holding parts which will Vbe hereinafter described.

ody andn'eclc pluckiny' 'angle iron 8| (Fig. 1) parallel tothecross member 18 extendsacross between the uprights 15 and is joined by angle irons 82 (Fig. 3) which provide a track for the carriage designated generally 83, which'V carries the body and neck plucker for the bird. This carriage 83 comprises uprights 811 and 85 connectedv at their lower ends as at iand at their upper ends as at 81, the Whole being mounted by means of rollers 88 at its lower end, and89 at its upper vend for movement alongI the tracks 82 to and from the bird which is supported by the framework..

The carriage 83 is provided withfa pair of forwardly protruding `angle irons95, as seenin Figures 3 andi-1, which support beneaththem the mutilated annulus SS'Iliaving an opening through which the bird may pass (see also Figures 28 and 29,V etc. for urtheridetailsk `The annulus, as shown in Figure 29 in section, comprises anV inverted U-shaped-piece 91 which is attached to a plate'98, the U-shaped piec`e91 being xed to the under side of the arm- 95. Mounted upon and' suspended by means of roller `bearings 99, there is the channel-shaped mutilated annulus 100, the rollers 99 being positioned to extend "over the upper and outer edges of the plate as shown in Figure 28; this permits of this annulus v|013 moving4 about a center within itself in horizontal azimuth and carrying with it plucking-units and other manipulating mechanism. The bars 95 are mounted on a plate 95- (Fig. 3) which plate is provided with roller bearings 98'- for vertical movement within the carriage 83. This vertical movement occurs by reason of the cylinders 514 and 515 actuated'by compressed air which will later be described f The circular table |00 is provided with a plurality of outward projections |05, each vof which provides an abutment'surface 106, whichfabutments serve as a point forv engagement by a pawl |01' to prevent reverse motion. This table is actuated circularly counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 28 by pressure on these abutments. A slide 101 guided as at |08 is moved by means of the piston rod v|09 which is secured thereto as at |10 and actuated by the air cylinder 1 to move the table counter-clockwise as seenr in Fig. 2-8 while a spring |12 serves to return the piston rod 109` and its slide 101 toinitial starting position. The amount of movement is substantially the distance-between two abutment's |05 and movement in the opposite direction is'prevented bythe pawl |01. The' cylinder is pivoted as at ||3 to the bar 95'and its compression spring |14 serves to rock this` cylinderso that Ythe slide |01' will be moved into engagement' with the table projection |051 The pawlv |01 is pivoted at |15 and is swung by means of spring |16 so as to 'engagethe abutment |06. Springy |11 also presses upon 4the pawl |01 urging it against rider |18, as shown more clearly'inFigure 31.

Rotary motion counter-clockwise ofthe table direction ofrotatin tof returrv'lit vto s'tarftingA posi- The plate 95 is. also provided with a pairof angle iron arms |30, as shown in'Figure k3 (see also Figure which support themutilated annulus |31 which issecuredupon a plate |32. superimposed upon this plate there is the circular table shown in inverted channel shape atV |33 mounted by means of a plurality of roller bearings |34 so that this table may rotate about' itscenter in a manner similar to that above described in connection with table 100. A rider |35 comprising a guiding surface is securedon the outside edge of the table 133,' which extends a portion of the arc of the table, as shown in the plan views in Figures 34 and 37. This table is also provided with a plurality of projections |36 presenting abutment surfaces |31 to be engaged in rotating the table counter-clockwise. Rotary motion counter-clockwise of the table occurs by means of the slide |38 guided as at |39 along the side of a cylinder |40 ywhich is used for actuating a piston rod |41 which is secured to the slide by means of the yoke |42 and which is returned byV means of spring |43 to its initial starting position. This cylinder ispivoted as at |44 to the under side of arm |30 and upon which the table is mounted. A pawl |45 is pivoted as at 146 so as to move in back ofthe projection |36 to engage the abutment |31 so as to prevent clockwise movement of the table. A spring |41 serves to swing the pawl against the table, while a spring |48 urges the Apawl against rider |35 in the same manner as the spring ||1 acts on the pawl |01', as above described. In'order to return the circular table |33 flexible cord |110v is provided which acts in the same manner as the cord 120 to be controlled by pulley |50 (Fig. 3) at the upper end of the piston rod extending from air cylinder 15|. The return or clockwise motion occurs until the member |52 (Fig.v 34) carried by the movable vtable engages the. abutmentv rides on the surface 10|, so as to force thisarm On the upward inwardly to close the valve. movement, however, it is desired that the valve shall not operate and,-accordingly, the arm 102" is permitted to swing downwardly about a pivot, but in order that it will be actuated when the cylinder descends, asecond arm 103 is pivoted as at 104 and engages the arm 102 to prevent it from swinging upwardly. A spring 105 serves to maintain the arms in substantially the position shown in Figure 5, while allowing them the relative movement just above described; thus, the arms pass over the cam 10| ontheir upward stroke, but are actuated by the camon the downward stroke. v j

This air valve 100 serves toy control the pluck-l ers on the waist unit. Another valve 10,6 to similarly controlthe pluckers on the neck unit is provided, as shown in Figure 3, only in this case` the plunger or 'arm y102 has a straight in and out movement over the cam surface 101 both on its upward anddownward movements;

Further vplucker manipulating mechanisms are):

carried below the circular table |00 for 't tion of thefbirdztheplncker manipulating: mecha`V nismo lrare carried abetev the 'circular table'. |63:

and as shown in Figure 34, there amel.tliireegoV such. mechanisms. designated |5511, H5611 and: i550. They rrrianipulatinigaA mechanisms. 'asf shown. iin Figure 41 each comprisegan inwardiy guide member |195 whichris. piyotedjto the talirlezi lowerv surfaceszotfthechannezt i915 .ori'l-L while it is prcyided with .rollers 201.' omamerticallhearr:

ine' to ene-age; the bottomof. the: channel Y|9i -or |191. 'Thepluckere are yfixed; upon. carriage: |199: for radial Increment` byroperation'o the oarriage 1.1939 which radial movementmayfbeieither inwardly. or. outwardly. `'Ii/louerrrent*of vthefcar-Y ria-ge inwardly is: bygmea-ns the.A pistonfrod; 2302v operated by thefcylinder 2413 and-attached: to.-v the vcarriaeieby yoke. 2M:V for' Ymovement.

while the spring; 295 serves tot move the carriage outwardly when. nopneurnatic pressure isvprow vided in. the cylinder. In; Figure 42,', thefcarriage is shown at its innermost position to. `which it is moved by they spring'- 2-.05.. -entersethe cylinder m3 the carriage |99 moved outwardly or; to the lett, as show-n in Figure 42,. againstthe tension of thefspring, and when the air pressure is relieved, then-the spring will?. drawl the carrage inwardly again to the innermost position shown in full lines in Eig-ureAZ. The-two. mecha.- nisms |56aand |551; which. are mounted on. the pivots lflfand. leare connected together by :an arcuate member tangas. at, |-,6| .and` .1.61 which. extendscircularly aboutthe. table L33. Thuamcye.- mentv of. this member |60. will serve .to oscillate.

both of thesemechanisms together. Yen arm IEB..

(see also Fig. 39) is. fixed. tolthetable.- Llntfaiiitv extends .radially outwardly fromV the `table'.J'i3-- At theouterend of thisarmflll' have mounted in pivot 65a lin-k. shown in perspectuehy itself cured-by pin'or. pivot pin 1&9 'to .the memberY ISE.. This link .l 64I-'is provided ana'rinA ll'f-whichY extends. .outwardly therefrom, the same being pivotedon. the link Milt-by pin L68... 'Ihesprilng |169 .holds .the .arm |161 )against the hack 'L'lllo'i at. such position that iti will 'strike the "shifter member l-|,'| .3.7) as the table. vrotates'and will? swing the link about its..1jivot"|"5,5"to cause thebar |60 to move circularly. ofthe table and shift the two mechanisms |5Ea, |5511' Whichqarc.

wardlyandlradially'inwardiyitoa positionjbeyond thetable |335. As shown in `Figure 38,*ab'lock ris is pivotedat m minus @maketh-teens'- gagea 'stop' |19 .tohold the block in onei'position on the bracket. This block V|16 has an in'- clined surface |19. andahutment. surface |89 Lwhich serves to engage the hinge which has the par-|2182 :thereof xed to the-rotatable table #31%. The member |81,y of thishi-nge has asprocket. chain "|83 tastened'ftdit at a given point.' Aseoond lock or stop; 81 (see. Figure 36) is provided which is all detail: the same. as stop |161. The chain |831extendsarcuately along the. inner surface of Athe table. |39, being held in; posi-timmy sprockets:V I'X. and [86 secured upon. suitable. brackets .to the table 1.39'. 'The cppositeend at the. chain |83.is1.connectedito a linkrltl" which is pivoted' asat |98 andhasf a .slot andpin. con.- nection |991 tu: the mechanism `|5I5 which pirated at. .159.. Thus. astheportion iBfi :of ithe hinge.- is...engaged; bythe block- -l-lG; .or :the block IM1 thef chain be giuen a. movement ,relatiye to. the. .table inthe direction of arrow- H so as; toi swing 'thamechanism |256;v about its nvot'; |55 to theA .dotted .line positiony shown in VFigure 3E. Iz-rview oiithere being; two of such blocks |84- andk |i1&the.mechanism will be given two-,suche move-- ments. as the table rotates. It will be apparent. that when the table reversesvits movement that theA inclined surface |19 ot each! ot thesestops. |84` and #1d-will Vpennit the hinge |91 to ride over these stops byswinging the stop aboutiits pivot against the action of the spr-ing such .as |18. The: mechanisml 5.80: is swung. the. dotted.-- line posi-tionv tothe tuill lline position .about its' pivot 59by -a-.spring |90, this mechanism being guided. by -af'pin |94: onthe. guide. |195-movinguin slot 192:.. The: pluckers 'to he described greater detail are mounted on. carriages |599.

Thev support and. manipulation vfior the, wing. pluckers comprises generally a.' standard .2l/01 (Figure 1) which. is. secured von the. 'upright It', this standard .comprising uprightsf fZ,|i|"'am.2'|2 atthe lower vend of. which arev theincli'ned momibers. 2 3 while at the upper end horizontal vnaembers 21.4' are shown .in spaced relationl asy seen vin Figure. 2, to. provide ,a track -orguid'eway ,for a. reciprocableunit 2.|' 5 (,seelligs..l, ,2`,l 25., 2'?)` which. may 'be vguided .in .and Vout on these tracks 2M; This unit. M5 is moved. forwardly by the piston. rod .2|`6 (Fig. 25). which is. connected to it ,by yoke 21.1 the same beingactnated bythe corrijpressed ,air cylinder 2`|8` for forward for 'inward movement tothe left,v as shownin Figure '2:51 while theoutward movement' of the 4,unitis caused 'byj spring |9 when theai'r pressureis. relieved fromY the. cylinder, 2|'8`. Y

The carriage 2 smsnprigm arms :maicwmen.

support .pillow .blocks 12'2.| and 222..'(Figs. 212'135` in which is .rotatably .mounted the outer .portion 22.3 of the tubing) .in which the forward pushing, head YZilli' telescopes. Theiorwardportion of the. tubing, 22'31 .is rectangular in. .cross section. as seen at 225 (Fig.,12..-A) the samelbeing weldedlorsecured against rotation to the circular portion .of the tubing ,223. Thehead. 224 comprisesspaced, plates 226 and-'221 (-see. Fig,.. 1`2.-A) which...are

flanged inwardly .at their .ends ati12'8 .and.229.

andhas .the flexible cableiifjattached toit as' at to the frame 220 serves to actuate this piston rod 23| for movement of the head to retract the head 224-, while flexible member 238 guided as at 239, 248 and 24| serves to pull the head-forwardly. In soniecases' an auxiliary unit 242 is provided to move inwardly the pulley 240l tol draw in one plucking mechanism ahead of the others, by means of air pressure in cylinder 243 which forces the pulley 248 inwardly. l

Rotary movement is imparted to the tube 223 by there being fixed upon the tube a ratchet wheel 250 (see Figures l2 and 15), there being a pawl 25| pivoted at 252 and having its forward endshaped as shown at 253 (see Figures 2 and 17) to engage any one of the teeth of the ratchet Wheel 250. This pawl is drawn downwardly into engagement with the ratchet wheel 258 Yby means of a spring 254 and the pawl is guidedin its movement between upstanding members 255 and 256. Movement is imparted to the ratchet wheel through a swinging member 251 pivoted as at 258 and forced upwardly through air cylinder 259 and itsv piston rod 260. As the end of this member 251 will be at varying distances from the ratchet Wheel through its swinging movement and as contact with the ratchet wheel is necessary for imparting a movement thereto, this varying distance is compensated for by a slide 26| (Figs. 15, 16) movable in the guide provided by the inturned edges 283 of the member 251 and which is moved lengthwiseto extend the length of member 251 by means of spring 262 until lateral extension 282 engages the edges 283 for engagement withY the ratchet teeth but Which may slide to shorten the length thereof to compensate for varyingV distances between the hinge pivot 258 and the ratchet wheel at the point of engagement of the member 251 therewith. In order to retract the member 251 or maintain it in engagement with its actuating plunger 260, I have provided a spring 263. A y

A tube 265 (Figs. 12, 14) provided with a flange 266 is rotatably and slidably mounted upon the tube 223 and is locked against rotation by means ofapin 261 (Fig. 14) extending through flange 266 into a hole 268 (Fig. 15) in the ratchet 2 59. Pin 261 is fixed in the ratchet, while a spring 269 engages the flange 266 and acts between this flange and a head 218 on the pin to force the sleeve 265 and its head 266 against the ratchet 259 although allowing. axial movement of the sleeve. The edge of ange 266 is providedwith a recess 21| (Figs. l2, 17) having a-cam surface 212 on one edge thereof.l This recess is of al shape to receive the projecting portion 213 of the pawl as shown more particularly in Figures 1f?, 19 and 23. As the ratchet is rotated carrying with it the sleeve 265, this projecting portion 213 of thedog 25| engages the cam surface 212 toforce the sleeve 265 from the position shown in Figure 17 to the position shown in Figure 19; thus, the end or point of the projection 213 will ride valong the surface 214 while engaging in the teeth-of the ratchet throughout a predetermined number of actuations by the cylinder 259. At a predeter-Y mined point a' projection 215 secured -to the ratchet 250 is provided to extendbeneath the'arm 216 of the dog 21| so as to lift this dog that its projection 213 may again ride on the upper outer surface of the flange 266, as shown in FigureZl. When this dog is thus raised from the ratchet teeth, the cylinder 223 upon whichY the ratchet is mounted is free to be returned to its` initialor starting position Whichpccurs through drum 211 (Fig. 12) and flexible element 218 which is wrapped around this drum. the same element 218 being actuated by air cylinder 219, which is 0perated in a predetermined timed relation through a cam mechanism to be de'estxribed.A y

Inforder for the reverse movement of thesleeve 223 tor occur, it is necessary' that the actuating member be withdrawn from engagement with the ratchet. In Figure v15 I have shown member 251 which is pivoted as at 258 drawn down by spring 26,3 sufficient to have extension 26| clear the teeth of the ratchet wheel. Itwill be apparent that the motion of the dog and its actuating member are occurring at the same time and forlconvenience like positions of these two parts' are shown in the grouped Figures 17 and '18, 19 and 20,21 and 22, 23 and 24.

Centrally located in the tubular member 230 and the tube 223 there is a guidetube 285 (Fig. 13) Which isxe'd to the closure 286 at the end of tube 223. The opposite end of this guide tube 235 is' provided with a block 281 slidably mounted :in the tube 239, so that as the tube2'39moves Voutwardly or to the left as shownm-Fig'ure v13, the tube 285 will remain relatively stationary. Within the guide tube 285 there is a tube 288 having a pair ofgri'ppers 289 secured to this tube 288 which may engage the wing of `the bird. A spring 298 is attached to the end of the tube 288 to which the grippers 289 are anchoredbymean's of the flexible element 29 I, while the other e'nd of the spring isanchored bymeans o`f the wire o'r flexible element 292 to the end 293 of the vguide tube. Thus, the arrangement is 'such that a spring tension will be maintained upon the'gripi pers pulling them lengthwise of the unit shown in Figure 13 at all times regardless of the relative .longitudinal positions of the head 224 and the tube 223.

Referring to Figure 26, a set screw 295 extends through the wall of tube 285 into a position Where it may ngageithe siding tube zaal 'Upon this rotatable screw 295 there is xed the lever' 296 Whichmay be engaged by the lug 291 fixed on the tube' 230 when the tube is moved to the right asf shown in Figures 13 and 26 so to engage the lever and rotate the screw-cloche wise. While, when the stop 291 moves to the left, as shown in Figures 13- 'and 26 the lever 29's will be' free to be moved' by the spfnig'zss counterclockwis'e. The screw provided' i`n this instance isl a le'ftehand screw' so that the counter! clockwise movementv caused by the spring-f 298 will dir-avvv it firmly into engagement with the tube 288 and cause it tor lock the tube 288 to the tube 285. By this arrangement the' bird'i's' held against action by the plilclte'rsfv after' engaged but'yl'l by release of this locking mechanism, there isfan opportunity forV a r'adjustmetof position for the nextM succeeding b i-rd or for the same birdv in the next operation.4 YT'he pluckers for' the wings are' mounted on the head- 224by bei-ng' pivoted atr 299 (Figi. 14).

Leg pluckers e l I'n Vorder to operate upon the legs of the bird,A I 'have provided manipulating mechanisms 388, (Fig. l) which are'v mounted on the inclined vfixed Supports 2|'3 and extends upwardly at an angle of substantially forty-livedegrees. These units are similar to the units-2|5above described except thatit is unnecessary to vprovide ancarriage suchasmmoves upon the tracks 2|4 of the units 2|5. The'ktelescopic mountingI described in greater detail above and shown in Figure 13 provides for all of the movementv of the pluckers .in these units 300. However, as these units move upwardly, some additional power is required for lifting these units and to supply this power -I have provided cylinders 231-A and 23T-b hidden in the various views but shown diagrammatically in Figure 68.

Tail unit A tail unit designated 325 (Fig. 1) is provided in a vertical position and is similar to the leg units 300. This unit is also provided with a spring 340 to assist in maintaining the weight vof this unit which is verticall in position. This spring also serves as a cushioning means or buffer when the unit descends. As shown in Figure 51 the spring 340 has its ends 340a and 340e locked so that as the portion 265 of the 'tail mechanism is rotated, itserves to wind up the spring 340 so that when release occurs, the torsional stress placed in the spring by rotating the part 265' will cause a reverse rotary movement'gof the part 265' to starting postion, due to the 'fact that the end 340e is locked in a block `34| on frame 18.

Quillzng mechanism Additional operating mechanism which I shall call a quilling mechanism is designated generally 350, as shown in Figure 2 and as shown in greater detail in Figure 43. This mechanism is timed to operate after the wing plucking mechanisms operate and comprises a base 35| upon which a pair of rollers 352 and 353 are mounted which contact the bird and pull feathers from the bodyby means of the nip of the rolls on the feathers. The roller 352 is iixed upon a shaft 354 having bearings as at 355 and 356, (Fig. 44) and is driven by an air motor 351 through bevel gears designated collectively 356. The roll 353 is secured to a shaft 359 which is mounted in slidable blocks 360 and 36| at either end thereof forced downwardly by springs 362 and 363. Pinion gear 364 on shaft 354 drives the pinion gear 365 on the shaft 359 so that rotation is imparted from one roll to the other that they may rotate in time with each other. This quilling unit base is mounted on the end of a square piston rod 366 (Fig. 43) which is actuated by air cylinder 361. 361 is pivoted as at 368 on a bracket 36S which is fastened to the frame. A spring 310 serves to move the base 35| and the Vpiston rod 366 inwardly of the air cylinder 361. A second air cylinder 31| is pivoted as at 312 on a framework at 313 ofthe machine and has a piston rod 314 which is secured by a pivot 315 to the aircylinder 381. This cylinder is actuated by the air which passes into the cylinder 361 when the piston thereof uncovers a port to allow the air to pass through the flexible hose 316 into the pivoted end of the cylinder 31|. This piston rod is retracted by the spring 311 after the air pressure has ceased. `It will thus be apparent that initially the base 35| is forced outwardly longitudinally of the cylinder 361 and then the cylinder 361 will be swung about its pivot 366 to 'approach the bird the movement being in an arc such as represented in dotted lines in Figure 43.

Plucking unit The pluckers shown in Figures 8 to 11 and 62 to 61 are manipulated by the mechanism above described. They may take different forms. One

This air cylinder form comprises essentially a. casing 315 (Fig. 9) having a compartment 316 for the plucking mechanism and a compartment 311 for an air motor 313 which consists essentially of a cylinder 319 and a plunger 390 which is reciprocated by air supplied by conduit 38| conveyed through connection 382 to the forward portion and 383 to the rear portion. The plunger 390 has a head 384 with a pin 385 (see also Figures and 67) which operates through a slot 366 in partition 381 of the casing.

The operating plucking mechanism in compartment 316 of the casing on the other side of partition 381 comprises a reciprocating plate 388 (Fig. 62) having an upstanding wall 389 extending from one edge of the plate to engage the outer wall 390 (Fig. 9) of the casing and a wall 39| (Figs. 9 and 62) spaced therefrom intermediate of the opposite edges of the plate. A bearing 392 (Fig. 63) is secured to the surface of plate 39| and through this bearing and to a bearing in wall 389 there extends a shaft 393 upon which jaw 394 is secured, while the cam following member 395 is secured on the end of the shaft 393 and the other side of bearing 392. This jaw 394 is shaped as shown in perspective in Figure 66 which is generally arcuate with ears 396 and 391, fixedly mounted on the shaft 393, leaving the opening 399 so as to allow passage of air and feathers therethrough. A rubber face 400 is provided on the gripping edge of the jaw for engagement with the feathers, as will later be pointed out.

The cam follower 395 has a pin 402 (Fig. 63) extending through it and projecting beyond it to serve as a means for engaging abutments or cam surfaces which are to cause the actuation of jaw 394. This pin also serves to hold in recess 403 (Fig. 63) the end 404 (Figs. 62, 64) of the extendable rod 405 comprising the outer telescopic member 406 and the inner telescopic member 401, which rod is caused to elongate when free to do so by a spring 40B (Fig. 1l) engaging the flange 409 on the member 406, while its other end engages the end 4|0 of the plate 368 (see Figure 1l or 62); thus this spring will serve to swing the jaw 394 to contact the jaw 40| whenever it is free to do so. The control for the jaw is through a plate 4|| (Fig. 67) which is mounted upon a leaf spring 4| 2 (see Figures 9 and 65), which leaf spring is secured to the wall 381 of the casing by screws M3. This plate 4| I thus is free t0 rock toward or from the wall 361 by this spring hinge mounting. An arm 4| 4 (Figs. 9 and 67) pivoted at 4|5 and urged by spring 4|6 also presses against this plate 4H. Pivot 4|5 is located in the iange 4|1 which is secured to the inner wall 39|. A block 410 is attached to the plate 388 and is provided with pin 385 and an upstanding follower 4|9, as shown in Figures 65 and 67. This follower 4|9 is beveled at its opposite ends as at 420 and 42|. Recesses 422 and 423 are provided in the plate 4|| through which the follower 4|9 may pass, while intermediate these recesses there is a portion 424 with which the cam follower may engage. The plate 4H is also provided with a protuberance or thickened portion 425 having an abutment surface 426 and a cam surface 421, the arrangement bein-g such that as the air motor moves the plate 336 forwardly or to the left as shown in Figures 9 and 62, the cam follower 395 will engage the abutment 426 to swing the jaw 394 to open position, and as movement continues the follower 395 will pass beneath the abutment surface 426 and along the 

